A few days ago, I wrote about cleaning out your RV and removing all of the stuff you really don’t need. As we all know, when we let our RVs go, it’s very easy to start packing on top of old trip junk. If you haven’t totally cleared out your RV and decided on everything you do need, organizing isn’t going to do you any good. The idea is to get rid of useless stuff that is just taking up space and adding weight. Remember, every extra pound you have in your RV that you don’t need is just a waste of gas.

OK, let’s say you went through your entire RV and cleaned out everything you don’t need; now you just need to organize the stuff that “lives” in your RV. This is where a little ingenuity will come in handy. When we first bought our RVs, of course storage space was on out mind, but maybe we saw large open spaces and thought, “Wow, that’s a lot of storage,” only to find that stacking and balancing your items in your cabinets is just asking for trouble. What do you do now? Harness that space somehow. I’ve heard of RVers going as far as making brilliant use of space like in the video below.

If there ever was a time to visit a container store/organization store, it’s now. You can use glass dividers, plate holders, a lazy Susan for loose spices and condiments. You can pick up a few water tight tubs for large items and small items alike. The bottom line is, to simplify your RVing experience, try organizing your RV lifestyle.

If you haven’t camped in a National Park, you are certainly missing out on some of the most majestic and most protected natural environments in America. Billions of dollars go into the maintenance and beautification of our National Parks, so why not make them destinations on your trips? Take a road less traveled and plan a night or two in a National Park. Take a look at the NPS website below and really take a look at everything National Parks have to offer the RVers.

It’s pretty comprehensive, huh? How can you not want to visit a National Park soon? After all, your taxes are helping maintain the the parks themselves. There are 58 National Parks to choose from, so you shouldn’t have a problem finding one to visit during your RV Adventures.

If you have any question and bout camping National Parks, don’t hesitate to contact PPL Motorhomes. We know a thing or two about visiting the National Park System and can probably recommend a great place to bring your RV.

On July 2nd, 1776, the Second Continental Congress approved a resolution that declared the United States independent from Great Britain. On July 4th, 1776 the Committee of Five, headed by Thomas Jefferson drafted and proposed what we know as our Declaration of Independence. This great document was our first step in exploring our rights as an independent people with our own ideals, values, and dreams. This, in my opinion, is the birth of the American spirit. The same Spirit that cannot be contained, or told how we should live in any other way other than the way we choose. That is the freedom of life, liberty, religion and the pursuit of happiness.

It never escapes me though how the RV lifestyle embodies this same spirit. The ability to go anywhere you want, anytime you want, without leaving the comforts of home. Owing an RV, isn’t uniquely American. There are many other countries around the world where RVing, or Caravanning is very popular. In fact, PPL Motorhomes has sold and delivered many consignment RVs to overseas customers. It’s always wonderful to see that the spirit of travel, exploration and adventure transcends oceans and cultures. We all do it for the same reasons: Freedom and Happiness.

So, this year, instead of piling the kids, or grand kids in the car, put them in the RV and take them to see fireworks and Independence day celebrations…in Washington D.C.! Now, you know I’ve just being funny, but isn’t it nice to know that just by owning an RV, you could actually do it? Hmmm, sounds like a good idea for next year, doesn’t it?

Incidentally, I found a couple of interesting facts about July 4th that I thought I’d share with you. I found this on Wikipedia:

n a remarkable coincidence, both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, the only signers of the Declaration of Independence later to serve as Presidents of the United States, died on the same day: July 4, 1826, which was the 50th anniversary of the Declaration. Although not a signer of the Declaration of Independence, but another Founding Father who became a President, James Monroe, died on July 4, 1831, thus becoming the third President in a row who died on this memorable day. Calvin Coolidge, the 30th President, was born on July 4, 1872, and, so far, is the only President to have been born on Independence Day. [source: wikipedia.com]

I just thought this was just an interesting fact you could share while you celebrate the holiday. Remember, it’s not just about beer and BBQ, it’s about being an American and bleeding red, white and blue. Everyone have a safe and happy Independence day!

One of the things that always seemed to be a hassle when we went on our summer RV trips was dealing with wet bathing suits and towels. I don’t know how many times, after a pleasant day on the beach, river or at the park pool, that I had to shout at the grandkids (and my husband) to NOT throw their wet towels and bathing suits on the floor in our RV. But sometimes, finding an appropriate place to hang them to dry isn’t that easy and I’d rather they not use the dryer all of the time for conservation reasons.

Then I found: Smart Dryer. It was the answer to all of my water soaked prayers. The Smart Dryer is perfect for drying towels, swimsuits and more. It’s practicable, function, lightweight and easy to install on your ladder. Equipping your RV with a Smart Dryer means you will no longer have your towels and swim gear hanging form lawn chairs, truck tailgates or ladders. The Smart Dryer is made of stainless steel, so that means it’s both strong and rust resistant. I also folds into itself, so it won’t take much space in your RV, which we all know is extremely valuable.

I was looking online and found this great video.

I wish I had known about this years ago. It will come in handy for our annual Fathers Day river outing on the San Marcos river. You can get your own Smart Dryer online at PPL Motorhomes. Trust me, if you send any amount of time in the water this summer, this drying rack is goring to help stop a lot of headaches and keep a lot of carpets in your RV dry.

April 22, 2013 is Earth Day . What does Earth Day mean to you? Do you even know what Earth Day is? Do you know what it is about? Have you really thought about the impact that you make on this planet? I mean, have you REALLY thought about it? It’s not enough for just some of us to take responsibility for recycling, not littering, using less fossil fuels and caring for all of our flora and fauna.

I know that being and RVer can be a double edged sword sometimes. Here we are, with the urge to travel and explore, but that takes, in many cases, a lot of fuel. As a consequence we are not only using fossil fuels, but we are also emitting toxins into the air. Even further, when we visit our favorite parks and forests, I know that we do our best to leave as small of a footprint as we can, but we still have trash, refuse and black and grey water residuals to take care of.

Now this doesn’t me that as RVers we are hypocrites. I think that, in fact, we are quite the opposite. More than most we are very cognizant of the type of carbon foot prints we leave in the areas we visit. We are also some of the first people to make donations or contribute to the conservation of wildlife and forestry! I know many RVers who are members of conservations groups. I also know that they are leaders in their neighborhoods when it comes to recycling and spreading the word of how and why we should keep Texas beautiful.

I think that the bottom line is that when it really comes down to it, everyday is Earth Day. When we go RVing, I for one really am really grateful for everything that we get to see and do outdoors. It’s always a shame to see the slow deterioration of our planet and the places we like to visit. We all should be hypersensitive to the condition of our environment. Not just when we are are RVing, but all of the time.

All of us here at PPL Motorhomes are proud and happy to have the ability to anywhere we want, anytime we want…for now. It’s up to all of us to keep it that way. Remember, April 22nd, 2013 may be Earth Day…but so should every day be for that matter.

As Spring sets upon us, and with Summer not too far away, the need for a little more protection from rains and creepy crawlies is increasing with every RV trip. Being outside is a huge part of RVing for us, as it is for every RVer, and we’d like to spend as much time enjoying the weather (good, or bad) as we can. We don’t travel thousands of miles a year to be cooped up in our travel trailer because it’s sprinkling out, or because the mosquitoes are thirsty. Of course, having an awning on your RV is a great way to keep the Summer Sun from beating down on your head, but it does little to protect you from bugs and moderate rains. So, how can you get the most from Mother Nature without sacrificing your comfort?

What you need is an RV screen room like the Carefree Vacation’r! Not only will you be able to protect yourself from rain and bugs, but you also just increased your living space substantially, as well as your level of privacy! Now, I know what some of you may be thinking, “Awww…one more thing to set up?”. Don’t fret, as you will see in the video below, set-up is fast and easy and takes about 10 min. The Carefree Vacation’r Screen Room is one simple piece that can be easily set up by just one person. Further, the Carefree Vacation’r has no poles, rafters or permanent fasteners to attach to your RV. When you are ready to vacate the park, you simply detach the screen room, fold it, roll it and pack it away.

So, there you have it. A great way to increase the usable space of your RV and campsite without compromising privacy, or protection from the elements and insects. Take it from me, once you have spent a few late evenings hanging out in your screen room, you are going to wonder why you waited so long to get one! Take a look at the Carefree Vacation’r online, or swing by either of our two Texas locations, PPL Motorhomes of Houston, or PPL Motorhomes of New Braunfels and check it out in person. We know you are going to love to have one of your own!

Don’t you hate it when you pull a soda, or beer out of the fridge and realized that it just hasn’t been in there long enough? How do you expect to relax at your campground without a cold beverage to enjoy. Well, here comes the science. This is a useful trick for parents and grandparents, and a great science activity for kids and grand-kids. We are talking about the 2nd law of thermodynamics here. The salt will lower the freezing point of your ice water in your bucket. Take a look at the video below and see how to super-chill your drink in two minutes.

No more room temperature cokes and beers. You can now virtually pull your can of refreshment out of your shopping bag and super-chill it in two minutes. That’s the perfect amount of time to stow a little gear and then relax with a frosty cold beverage at your campsite.

This was just one little trick you can do while RVing. Know any others you can share? Your consignment RV center, PPL Motorhomes, is curious to know your secrets for having a nice relaxing time while RVing.

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I have been with PPL Motor Homes since 1980 and have been fortunate enough to grow up with the company. A native Houstonian, I have been blessed with years of wonderful experiences and memories of RVing with family and friends. With 3 children, 8 grandchildren and a ton of friends who I refer to as my adopted family, I was a Nana long before I became RV Nana. I was blessed to have shared this lifestyle with my late husband, a Cajun from Lafayette, and his spirit will live on in all of us as we continue down the road of life.
My life with PPL has given me so many wonderful chapters, from sharing my RV experiences as RV Nana to working with the Texas Campground Owners Association and holding the position of President of the Texas RV Association from 2011-2013, so it’s easy to see that the RV lifestyle is my style. Watch for me on the road …I’m the one with the RV Nana license plates on my car and RV, and share your RV experiences with me. See you soon!